Jill Craybas Expected to Replace Ashley Harkleroad on Team USA
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Jun 4, 2008 | Print |
Ashley Harkleroad was expected to make the 2008 US Olympic Team based on her ranking, but the American star has decided to turn down an opportunity to compete in Beijing.
Instead of traveling to China, Harkleroad has chosen to remain stateside during the hard-court season.
Harkleroad’s decision to play the US Open Series is not surprising, especially when considered with her recent form and her goal of improving her Sony Ericsson WTA Tour ranking.
“Some people just grow up dying to play the Olympics, and that’s their goal,” said Harkleroad in comments published by USA Today. “It has never been my goal really.”
Team USA captain Zina Garrison is now expected to name veteran Jill Craybas as Harkleroad’s replacement. Craybas, 33, would be competing in her first Olympic Games.
Grand Slam champions Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Lindsay Davenport, and Liezel Huber will reportedly be named to the team as well.
If you enjoyed this tennis article, please sign up for a free subscription!
JimM | Jun 4, 2008 | Reply
Good for the “Ol Gal.”!
I maybe wrong, but I think Mary Jo Fernandez has taken over from Zina. I hope she is treated better by the media than Zina was. And that the Top Players will be there when needed. The US still needs to keep bringing the youngsters in though, and if Harkleroad is not that keen, there’s Madison Brengle, Vania King, Ahsha and Angela. Even young Melanie Oudin.
Aaress Lawless | Jun 4, 2008 | Reply
Jim, to my knowledge Zina is still the USA women’s team captain for the Olympics.
The USTA announced two months ago that Garrison would lead the Olympic team in Beijing. Mary Jo is set to take over as Fed Cup captain next season, although she did work with the squad this year as a coach. Now, again, I don’t know if that has changed, but we’ll know for sure soon when the official roster is released.